John Ehlers, COO at Swissquote Bank Europe. Photo: Swissquote Bank Europe

John Ehlers, COO at Swissquote Bank Europe. Photo: Swissquote Bank Europe

John Ehlers, COO at Swissquote Bank Europe, shares his tips for anticipating, adapting and leading in the ever-changing world of wealth management, as part of “Paperjam 10x6 - Wealth Management Transformation”, organised by the Paperjam Club on Tuesday 25 March.

What are the key factors to ensure sustainable growth in the sector?

 To develop the wealth management sector, it’s about providing concrete opportunities to build financial security and independence. First, let’s continue to raise investment literacy so those not only starting out but also at different times in their financial lives can have the confidence to invest a portion of their wealth.  Next, we need a broad private and public effort to increase investment inclusion. Today in Luxembourg and much of Europe, many don’t open investment accounts and don’t invest--consequently, they’re losing out on ways to grow their wealth. And finally, considering the long-term uncertainty to the sustainability of government-funded pensions, we need a better program that incentivises people to save, invest and manage their wealth for retirement.

How does your expertise or area of intervention contribute to redefining wealth management to meet current needs?

The future is about achieving financial security for each person’s unique situation. So redefining wealth management means offering greater independent financial planning and wealth management solutions. Swissquote Bank Europe offers access to the world’s financial markets to meet just about any investor need--without offering specific investment advice to their situation. We continue to develop our platform and its services to make it easier and faster to find and understand the investment possibilities and own your financial future. 

What are the risks of excessive digitalisation in such a relationship-driven field?

While Swissquote Bank Europe offers a deeply digital platform, our total service offers much more than that. For instance, if you’re a retail investor and need to talk with someone about your account, what we offer and what you’re trying to achieve, we’re here to help. We also work on the unique needs of institutional clients to achieve their aims using our platform or building new features. Swissquote clients can find the right balance between our technology and support services.